I find it slightly ironic that I should choose this today after the topic of last night's bible study, but it really got me thinking about it...
Right now in our bible study we are going through a book called Anonymous by Alicia Britt Choley. It's really interesting and I'm learning a lot. Last night we discussed mankind's need for praise and applause. Basically we were learning that God's applause should be all that matters. Did you catch that...should be. Honestly, for me, it's not. This is something I really need to work on. But sometimes it just feels so good to hear "Great job! I'm proud of you! You're the greatest cook ever!" However, I will say that I don't think this necessarily means desiring words of affirmation is bad, actually I think it's totally human, I think it's needing the words of affirmation that becomes unhealthy.
All that said, today is my boss's birthday. I'm a huge fan of birthdays. I set my alarm to go off at midnight so I could send him a birthday greeting at the exact commencement of his special day. I also baked him a cake. I've always liked baking, but in Spain, I adore baking. Everything I make is new and foreign to the people here so it's always amazing to them no matter how good or bad I think it turned out. Everyone raves about anything I make and people are always telling me I should open a bakery here (which is actually a secret dream of mine), and it makes me feel good.
I also enjoy crafting. I made my boss a cute little birthday card as well, full of sentimental crap that I'm always too embarrassed to actually say aloud, and he responded by telling me I'm a really good person, he's super happy to have me and he came to my desk to give me the traditional Spanish 2 kisses as thanks. Again, I appreciated that and it felt really good to hear and be acknowledged.
My favorite job I've ever had was as a cocktail waitress at the Foundry in Kansas City. That job is one of the things I miss most about the U.S. It was a great place to work for many reasons, but the one that stuck out to me the most was how incredibly affirming the managers were. I was constantly receiving words of thanks and affirmation from my superiors there and it made a HUGE difference in the atmosphere of my work environment, how I did my job, and how I felt in general. One of those amazing managers, Mr. Paul Janasz, has actually just left the Foundry to open a new place in KC called Cafe Gratitude. Being encouraging and affirming and life giving is innate in who he is so I think this Cafe will be perfect for him!
So basically I'm really thankful to have such awesome, encouraging people in my life and I hope I am reciprocating!
Ok, well no photo today, Yago desperately needs the computer so I don't have time to add one.
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